Boris urged to ban HGVs from rush hour streets

AMs want all HGVs fitted with cabs offering greater visibility and a ban on rush hour journeys.London Assembly members have called for HGVs to be banned from the capital’s streets to ensure Londoners can “cycle to work, or take the kids to school, without fearing for their lives.”

City Hall, local councils and Transport for London have been working to improve the safety of the capital’s roads for cyclists through awareness campaigns directed at drivers, increased policing of the roads network and mandating the fitting of safety equipment on heavy vehicles.

Despite their efforts seven of the eight cyclists to have died in London this year were killed in collisions with HGVs.

AMs have unanimously agreed a motion calling on Mayor Boris Johnson to work with ministers to impose a rush-hour lorry ban and ensure the construction industry introduces new cabs which give drivers greater visibility of cyclists and other road users.

Darren Johnson AM, who proposed the motion said: “We know the safety measures which would make cyclists safer and there is a growing cross-party determination that we need to end the unnecessary deaths and injuries on our roads.

“Londoners should be able to cycle to work, or take the kids to school, without fearing for their lives.”

Andrew Boff AM, who seconded the motion said: “7 out of the 8 cycling deaths this year have been caused by collisions with an HGV. This is a shocking statistic and a clear indication that action is needed.

“I believe that the solutions proposed by this motion will do much to make our city safer for cyclists and ensure that London’s roads are suitable for all users.”